Sinus Infections
Health Benefits

Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Naturally Treat Sinus Infections

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

305 User Reviews

5 star (258) 
  85%
4 star (19) 
  6%
3 star (2) 
  1%
1 star (16) 
  5%
(10) 
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Posted by Scott (Southcoast, Ma) on 12/19/2009
★★★★★

To all the skeptics out there....I was one, until I tried this. I had a cold that turned into a sinus infection. With all the different flu and cold viruses out there I was afraid to go on anti-biotics because of the mutation and resistance that could occur, so I searched on the 'net' and found this web page. I was not a true believer, but figured I'd give it a shot.

I knew I had a sinus infection because one tell tale sign I get is I lose my sense of smell. I had pain, swelling, pressure, redness of my cheeks, and Post nasal drip. Then I tried the apple cider vinegar.

2 table spoons of ACV with 12 oz. of warm water sipped over about a half hour time. Within an hour I regained my sense of smell. The pain and pressure were relieved considerably (not completely gone, but relieved). I took three doses in a day. Later that night my symptoms returned so I took some mucus relieving over the counter meds to help me sleep.

Next day, my symptoms are almost totally gone. I can breathe freely, I can smell, and only have a slight amount of pressure and sinus congestion. In short, I am amazed how this cure worked.
To the skeptics...try it. You have nothing to lose, and the cost is low.

Thank you Earthclinic for this GREAT site.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katieegann (Trenton, New Jersey) on 12/08/2009
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infections

About 3 or 4 days ago I developed a terrible sinus infection in the right side of my face. It was terrible. I couldn't hear out of my ear, dental pain, yellow mucus, facial pain and swelling, the whole deal. I tried the ACV remedy. About 2 tbsp of ACV, about 1 cup of water, and about 1 tbsp of honey did the trick for me. My dental pain and headache are subsiding, and I can finally breathe out of the right side of my nose. I'm very happy about these results. :)


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gary (Kulpmont, Pa) on 11/01/2009
★★★★★

sinus infections: I find acv & honey help a lot.I use only acv with the "mother" in it and raw honey if you can get it. I saw a doctor on tv yrs ago who said he found out that it was a fungus that lies deep in the back of the head, which is dormant most of the time. I use olive leaf extract which is anti-fungul and I also use olive leaf nose spray plus a neti pot. Ask your DR. for anti-fungul medicine. Olive leaf kills many viruses and bad bacteria and fungae. Use according to directions on olive leaf products. I use 1 tbls acv & 1 tbls honey.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Momandmore (Houston, Tx) on 10/08/2009

I am a 20 year sufferer of reflux induced sinusitis, although the problem was just diagnosed 2 years ago. I take Nexium 2x a day plus Pepcid,which controls all of the reflux symptoms EXCEPT the sinus issues. I am struggling with 3 infections in 5 weeks. I just tried the ACV for the first time and will keep doing it since so many of you sing its praises. My question: has anyone out there found that the ACV exacerbates reflux problems? I'm wondering about putting acid in my stomach which obviously is so sensitive. I was thinking of going to my GI doc and suggesting surgery to repair the reflux (long recovery) but am hoping that the ACV will take care of it without making the reflux worse. Your feedback would be welcome.

EC: Apple cider vinegar is actually the most popular remedy for acid reflux!

Read more here: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/acid_reflux#ACV.html


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lizpride (Clinton, Nj, Usa) on 10/03/2009
★★★★☆

Hi, I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar (organic) for my congestion/sinus infection. I wasn't sure if this was where I should comment. It worked pretty well, although it took a few minutes to kick in, but then lasted for at least an hour. Anyway, it's much better than conventional drugs. It works, but my congestion isn't completely gone, but it is better at least.

Replied by Mindy
(Charleston, Sc)
10/09/2009

I haven't tried the apple cider vinegar yet. but heres what i'm trying now to get rid of this nasty sinus infection. I'm using a netti pot with a saline solution i bought at _____, it's specifically for cold/flu. I'm also drinking a solution of water and echinacea (liquid form)as much as possible. The echinacea really clears you up instantly. I'm also taking vitamin c, e, and b-12 during the day to keep me going, as well as a womens daily vitamin. While i'm at work and cannot get to my echinacea i've actually been taking goldenseal also to help the infection and inflamation. Tonight i think i'm going to boil water and the sea salt for cold/flu and try to breathe that in cause my chest is starting to get really tight. I'm trying to keep this from turning into bronchitis. If you have any yea or nays please comment back. thanks!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elaine (Chicago, Illinois) on 08/30/2009

I have tried AC Vinegar for the past almost four years and gave up because of the taste. I would get a little relief, but never stayed for the long haul. Tonight I just had it.

I mixed one tablespoon of Organic AC Vinegar in eight ounces of water with a teaspoon of honey and withing 45 min. I felt some relief. I have had sinus infections and draining down my throat so bad for four years that resulted in sleep deprivation *was becoming so common.

Tonight my nose felt crusted, sore and had blood clotts. I know this means infection. After taking my first dose, I tried one more of the same mixture and I feel a lot better. I am going to stick with as the results on this website are unbelievable for AC vinegar.

I have been prescribed everything for sinus, including steroids. Nothing ever made much difference and the infections keep coming back.

I am going to try to get some rest now, I feel a lot better. I wish I had stuck with it before and not let the taste drive me away. I found some awesome combinations to mix the vinegar with to cut the taste. I will report back, as I am very optimisitic. I am on vacation for ten days and plan to "do battle"!!! I love this site and I am grateful it is always here when I need it.

Replied by Amy
(Illinois City, Il Usa)
09/27/2009

Has anyone ever tried the ACV tablets? If so, do they work for the sinus infections as the liquid does?

Replied by Squeak75
(Forestville, Ny)
10/08/2009
★★★★★

I too have take vinegar and honey off and on for over 3 years. This time I am a believer! 3 days ago my sinus just about exploded! I was in such pain that I couldn't sleep. I tried some over the counter medication and it only made it worse, couldn't even breathe, only from my mouth. I finally went back to this site and looked up what vinegar could do for me. I started drinking 8 ounces of warm water with 2 tablespoons ____ ACV with a tablespoon of honey. I drank several of these during the next 2 days and as of this morning I can breathe and I haven't had to blow my nose! I also slept through the night, I did use a strip on my nose that helped too but have used in the past and nose has still dripped. I got a good nights sleep and got up this morning and drank another glass of ACV with honey. I am going to use it everyday since reading up that it could calm down hot flashes too! What a relief!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amber (Silver City, Nm) on 07/31/2009
★★★★★

ACV cures my sinus infections. After many antibiotics and steroids, I tried ACV. When I notice the discharge from my nose is getting thick, yellow/green then I start drinking ACV. I put 1 tablespoon ACV into 12 oz. water. I drink the mix twice a day by straw to avoid getting the acid on my teeth (and I do not care for the taste). After a week, my sinus'are clear again. Dietary changes have helped me prevent the infections (and head aches).

Replied by Lassie
(Miramar, Fl)
08/22/2009

My problem with my sinus is nothing comes down from my nose. my nose is swollen and below my eyes I look like a monster. Can any one help?

Replied by Clayton
(Kelowna, British Columbia)
12/26/2009
★★★★★

I have been suffering from sinusitis for years, with post nasal drip causing havoc with my sleep. After trying a Neti Pot, which didn't help because I was usually too congested for it to work properly. I stumbled across Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and it worked. I take it daily, usually 2tsp-2tbs in tea with unpasteurized honey (Twinnings lemon ginger tea is great) 3X a day. Because I take it daily I never get congested. When I cannot take the organic ACV I take two ACV pills (You can get these at most pharmacies and health food stores). If you want the most benefits, the organic ACV is best, but realistically there will be times when you can only take it in pill form. I have not even needed to use my Neti Pot in nearly a year(It works well if taken daily as a preventative, just not so well when stuffed up already). Remember to rinse your teeth or chew on something after to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. You may also need to take some extra water throughout the day to help dilute the acid in your stomach. Avoid any dairy, this will cause mucus to form as well. Fresh ginger root sliced and boiled to make a tea helps sooth the throat as well if you need it, also sweeten with unpasteurized honey as it is an antimicrobial. Take all of this along with oil of oregano if suffering from an infection, for children dilute 2-3drops in orange juice. Hope this helps. Remember the key is to make it a part of your daily routine if you are a sinus sufferer. ACV is also helpful in losing weight.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Hema (Sydney, NSW) on 06/21/2009
★★★★★

Hi, I have been using ACV for 3 days and my sinus is better than before, I still hv one side of nose blocked. But I am feeling on top of the worl by looking at the improvement. I had bene taking Chiness herbal medicine but it wasn't working at all.

I have QUESTION if someone can answer. I have noticed when I come to work, I get my nose blcoked but if i go outside or am at home I don't have that much blockage.

Do you think it is to do with dust mints in carpet at work. i don't have carpet at home.

So Not sure what I should do, although I have deceided to drink ACV regularly until I get rid of my mucus completly.

Please ADVISE for my QUESTION.

Replied by Emily
(High Point, NC)
07/03/2009

Wanted to respond to Hema from Sydney. I've heard that yeast could be a number one cause for why our sinuses may react better or worse in different places. If the building you work in is an older building that makes it more likely to have mold growing inside the walls. It's crazy what that stuff can do to a person!!

Replied by Lisa
(Long Beach, Ca)
03/14/2010

It sounds to me exactly like a dust mite allergy although there could be other allergens that might cause a similar reaction like mold. I had the same problem when I used to live in a house with old carpet. Every time I came home I felt sick and I began to wonder if I was somehow not wanting to come home! Of course, it turned out I was just allergic to dust and dust mites. Good luck in solving the problem!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cecilia (Vestavia, Alabama) on 05/07/2009
★★★★★

ACV cured my cronic sinus infections. I have had recurring sinus infections for years. Recently, I have been on antibiotics for 6 weeks, steriods for 10 days, deongestants at night and two different allergy medicines for the last 2 years. Two weeks after my last infection, I noticed the congestion and pain returning. Since I had gained 15 pounds in two weeks because of the steriods, I refused to go back to the Dr. to start the antibiotic and steriod treatment again. I started researching on the web for natural sinus infection cures and ran across this site.I was willing to try anything at this point. I had a bottle of H____ ACV in the cabinet. I started drinking 2 1/2 tablesspoons of it mixed into an 8oz glass of water 3 times a day. By the 2nd day I noticed that the pressure was gone and the congestion had lessened. It has been 3 days now and my sinuses are totally clear. I have stopped all of my medicines; the antihistamines, allergy pills and decongestants and feel better than I have in years. This has been a God send. I am going to the health food store to buy some undistilled ACV. If the store bought brand was able to do this, I can't wait to see what the undistilled version will do for me. Thank you!

Replied by Adina
(Livonia, Ny)
08/27/2009

How long(days) did you to take the ACV to have the sinus cure completely???


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Toinette (Long Island, N.Y. USA) on 05/04/2009
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar has changed my life, seriously. I've seen 4 different doctors this past year and been given different antibiotics by each one for my blocked sinus. I haven't felt well or had much energy for a couple of years due to the ongoing sinus problem that never has gotten cured. I quit drinking wine and all alcohol cause I read that can cause a lot of yeast. The last guy I saw was an ENT who put me on a z-pack for 1 week, to be followed by 1 month of Prednisone and another z-pack at the end of the treatment. I took the 1st dose of antibiotics and filled the prescription for the Prednisone but before taking it looked it up on the internet only to read a lot of really scary stuff about it. I decided not to take it and that night I found this site which I absolutely love! I started immediately with the AVC ( 2 Tbsp.) mixed with a tiny amount of juice and 1/4 tsp. baking soda and the rest of the glass (8 oz) filled with water. Within maybe half an hour I could breathe out of my right nostril which was impossible before. The CTscan showed total blockage on that side. So I've been doing this for about a month now, in the AM, sipping during the day, and again in the PM and my breathing is so much better and I don't wake up in the middle of the night anymore having to spray or put on a nose bandaid thing. I'm not cured yet but I believe I will be. I also started oil pulling last week and that also helps. I can actually blow my nose and stuff is coming out of the right side finally. It's dark yellow so I know it's an infection but I think with time it will be cured. I don't expect things to work overnight, though the avc did start having an effect pretty fast. I cured myself of cervical cancer years ago with macrobiotics. It took 3 months. So I'll be patient with this and also try to cut out things like sugar, flour, dairy which I know would help. I also tried the avc as a rinse after washing my face and it leaves your skin looking like glass! It's amazing. I'm 58 and so sick of trying new stuff for my skin that never seems to make a difference but this seems to work nicely. I'm so happy to have found this site with like minded people. I really do believe the body can heal itself with the right natural things.

Replied by Sandra
(Norwalk, Ca)
08/17/2009

ACV is already working for me, but I wanted to know more about how you cured your cervical cancer. I was just diagnosed with cronic cervicitis and apparently need some type of procedure. Is there anything you can recommend instead of surgery?

Thank you,
Sandra

Replied by Mary
(Clackamas, Oregon)
09/04/2009

I was also curious about this so I went to google and looked up macrobiotics.. There is a lot of helpful information on wikipedia.com


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anne (Branford, CT USA) on 04/22/2009
★★★★★

Thanks for all these great tips on using Apple Cider Vinegar to cure sinus infections. After 21 days on one of the strongest antibiotics, I still had a sinus infection. My doctor wanted to send me for a CAT Scan. After finding your site, I tried two things. I put 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 2-3 cups of water in a pan on the stove then put a towel over my head and inhaled the steam for about 10-15 mins. I did this three nights in a row and now I can breathe clearly, no more pressure and my headache is gone. It worked wonderfully. I also tried one cup of very warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey to kill the taste. I drank about 1/2 the cup for two days, so this may have helped as well.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Leigh (Andover, MA) on 04/09/2009
★★★★★

With pages and pages here tolling the virtues of ACV I decided to give it a try. I'm facing sinus surgery in a month and seem to have picked up a cold or little bug and my head is full of pressure and I feel pretty blah. I put a teaspoon of ACV into my neti pot (with sea salt) and poured it through - I only used 1/2 pot for each side because it *does* burn! But it wasn't totally unbearable. I also put 2 TBSP in ~8 oz. warm water and sipped it. While this didn't produce a lot of nasal discharge, it does seem to have relieved quite a bit of the pressure in my sinuses. I will try another dose at bedtime (about 5 hours after the first) and see how the night goes. However, I have nasal polyps in my ethmoid sinuses and I believe I will still have to have surgery to remove those and straighten my septum. But if anyone has any natural remedy that can shrink those polyps (I doubt anything will make them go away) I'd *love* to hear about it!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Serbella (St. Louis, Missouri/USA) on 03/31/2009
★★★★★

Several days ago I developed a severe sinus infection, complete with dental pain that made me lie awake at night crying. I had sinus pressure on the left side of my face, and I could feel my sinuses draining down my throat.

I was on the internet about an hour ago and I saw your site. Figured what the heck, the Aleeve wasn't doing anything to relieve the pain, and the decongestent was not working. I had a bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar and I went a little overboard: I put in one ladleful of AVC in a tall glass of warm water, which I believe probably evens out to three or four tablespoons of AVC.

Hey,I was desperate.

I drank it all down in one sitting. Now, forty five minutes later, the dental pain is just about gone, and my throat doesn't feel raw anymore. I know you said to use it before the onset of the infection, but the only time I've ever feel this good this quickly was when I was using prescription drugs.

I'm a believer in ACV now. Will follow up later with at least two more glasses of the stuff. Thank you!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by J. (Alexandria, MN) on 03/31/2009
★★★★★

I was surfing the net looking for sinus infection remedies when I came across this site and read how many people were for this treatment. I tried it (I used 2 teaspoonfulls) and have to admit was a little sick to my stomach afterward, but I already feel much better. I also had a sore throat which has gotten better since taking ACV(not quite gone yet though). When I do another treatment I will try the honey suggestion someone made on this site as I think that will make it taste better. I am grateful I found this site!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna (Frederick, MD) on 03/23/2009
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) treated my sinus infection. I got bad colds for a week with yellow mucus. I had a head pressure and headache when I got up in the morning. I used netipot with salt to get rid of colds. I also took "Cold Eeze" to reduce the severity of colds which was helpful. I searched for a remedy and I found this web site and I decided to try ACV. Wow! It did help to make my head pressure and headache disappeared. It also cleared out my thick mucus membrance in my throat. I was able to breathe better. Thanks for your suggestion.



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